LA Angels: 3 pleasant surprises in the 2021 season

No. 2 pleasant surprise for the 2021 LA Angels: Jared Walsh’s breakout and first All-Star season

Jared Walsh was an absolute monster for the LA Angels this year.

After he showed so much promise in 2020, but was robbed of the recognition due to injuries, Walsh stepped up big-time in 2021.

Walsh stayed healthy for the most part (he’s played in 132 games so far), and has become one of the best defensive first basemen in the Majors. He’s so quick that he has so much range on the corner. Walsh not only proved how valuable he is on defense at first base for us, but even won the All-Star Game for the AL in his defensive abilities in the outfield.

Representing the Angels in the All-Star Game this year was really special for this franchise. He has hit 27 home runs for us this year, in addition to his impeccable defense.

Walsh has a 123 wRC+, and has the second-highest hard hit percentage (37.2%) among full-time starters for the Angels this year behind Shohei Ohtani.

Making just three total errors throughout the season, and being able to play three different positions for us, Walsh is going to be so valuable to this club going forward.